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Poole Soroptimists go to Journees d’Expression Francaise in Lyon

Poole Soroptimists go to Journees d’Expression Francaise in Lyon

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Report on ‘Journées d’expression française’ SI Lyon 29 April – 1 May 2016 Text by Liz Rodgers, photos by Sue Fortescue, SI Poole   I’m writing up our experiences and adventures on the train whilst heading to Paris, and have brought with me a wealth of memories of the French Union’s 19th ‘Journées d’expression française’. Most striking was the warmth of the welcome and camaraderie of the French-speaking Soroptimists, along with the wonderful organisation. SI Lyon and SI Lyon Tête d’Or must be congratulated on their successful event, which started on Friday evening with dinner in a city centre ‘bouchon’, a typical Lyonnais bistro specialising in the city’s world-famous gastronomy. We were entertained by the President of SI Lyon, who gave a witty and informative presentation on Lyon traditions. For example, our wine came to the table in traditional ‘pots’, wine bottles with a very

Poole Lions Swimarathon Presentations Evening

Poole Lions Swimarathon Presentations Evening

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Poole Soroptimists were honoured to attend Poole Lions 2016 Swimarathon Presentations Evening at Broadstone Golf Club earlier today. The Mayor of Poole and Lions President Keith Baker presented Poole Lions’ donation of £2000 to incoming Poole Soroptimists’ President Liz Rodgers. The monies will be used to care for human trafficking victims via the Purple Teardrop Campaign founded and run by Poole Soroptimists.

Gardening Galore

Gardening Galore

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Ladies from SI Bournemouth and SI Poole made their bi-annual visit to the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Bournemouth to tidy the courtyard garden this week. Both clubs helped set up the unit and have continued to work together to make its courtyard garden a place where people who have suffered sexual assault might gain a little bit of peace when they attend the SARC. The garden was tidied and existing shrubs were pruned, spring flowers were planted beneath the weeping cherry tree and hollyhocks and lupins were planted in other areas of the garden.  They will return in a few weeks to plant colourful summer flowers.

Ladies who lunch!

Ladies who lunch!

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Club members Juanita Byrne-Quinn, Jackie de Trafford and Liz Rodgers were delighted to represent SI Poole at Poole Lions’ annual lunch at Canford Magna Golf Club. Lion President Keith Baker and his fellow Lions made their Soroptimist guests very welcome at this important Lions event. The two organisations work together on the annual Poole Lions Swimarathon, one of the Lions is a Purple Teardrop Campaign trustee and more generally Soroptimists and Lions promote and support each other’s events and activities. Whilst the ethos of the two is quite different, members are like-minded in their commitment to volunteering time and energy to the benefit of others so it was good to spend some social time together to further the friendship between the two clubs.  

Baby hats en route to Nepal

Baby hats en route to Nepal

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Poole Soroptimists have posted their first set of baby hats, knitted by member Jackie de Trafford, to Kathmandu Soroptimists. More baby hats and blankets are following for Nepalese who remain homeless following last year’s earthquake, see https://sigbi.org/southern-england/2016/04/09/knitting-for-nepal/    

SI Poole contributes to SI International President’s Appeal

SI Poole contributes to SI International President’s Appeal

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Yvonne Simpson, International President of Soroptimist International is appealing to Soroptimists world wide to raise monies for her appeal, ‘Educate to lead, Nepal.’ Following the devastating earthquake, many Nepalese women and girls lost their livelihoods, leaving them vulnerable to being trafficked into slavery. This is where Soroptimists are helping, by raising funds to build a college where girls can be educated; with their new-found skills and knowledge, these girls will be able to achieve economic independence and will no longer be vulnerable to trafficking. Poole Soroptimists have donated £421 to the appeal, the proceeds of their evening collecting monies with the Rotary Christmas Train. The collectors are pictured here with Santa ready to bring Christmas cheer to children in Parkstone with his brightly lit train and Christmas carols and songs.

Poole Soroptimist Graduates

Poole Soroptimist Graduates

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“Follow your dreams,” says 68 year old Poole Soroptimist Sue Fortescue who has just graduated from Leeds University. The photo here is of Sue on graduation day. SI Poole is justifiably proud of Soroptimist Sue who now has her MA (Merit) in advanced studies in Audio Visual Translation Studies.

SI Poole Member Makes Presentation at SI Great Britain and Ireland Conference

SI Poole Member Makes Presentation at SI Great Britain and Ireland Conference

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Poole Soroptimist member Sue Fortescue made a presentation on the Purple Teardrop Campaign at the recent SI Great Britain and Ireland annual conference in Glasgow. Sue’s presentation focussed on the wonderful contributions made by Soroptimists to the Purple Teardrop Campaign’s work to combat human trafficking – conferences, vigils, fund-raising and lobby signature support to name but a few examples. Delegates were encouraged to visit the Purple Teardrop Campaign stand and to sign-up to the campaign’s next initiative.

Poole Soroptimists visit Port

Poole Soroptimists visit Port

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A group of SI Poole members enjoyed a visit of the Port of Poole given by Dave Laut, Port Safety and Security Manager, Poole Harbour Commissioners. The photo here is of members trying to stow-away in a container going to Alderney! They saw much of interest, including the cranes, heavy fork-lift trucks and other equipment they have at their disposal. They also saw buoys of various sizes and learnt about their role in the harbour; containers and how they are identified, tracked and maintained; the huge variety of raw materials and manufactured goods which go through Poole Port; and how ships are loaded, including the Valiant. Dave Laut confirmed that one of the defibrillators donated by SI Poole was taken out by the RNLI to an incident at the rowing club. Although not used on this occasion, the RNLI is very pleased to have the

Dorset Venus Awards

Dorset Venus Awards

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President Lynn Butterworth is through to the semi-finals of the Venus Business Women’s Awards, Inspirational Woman category. This category identifies women who have gone out of their way to help others and in doing so have inspired other individuals to do the same.